The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) is now accepting nominations for its annual awards program. The recipients will be honored at the OHS Awards Banquet, which will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City.
The OHS is seeking nominations for the following awards:
• Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame: The highest honor awarded by the OHS, this award recognizes the work of individuals based on their contributions to the preservation, collection, interpretation and dissemination of Oklahoma history. Inductees receive the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame medal, and their biography is published in “The Chronicles of Oklahoma.”
• Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame: The highest honor awarded by the OHS, this award recognizes the work of individuals based on their contributions to the preservation, collection, interpretation, and dissemination of Oklahoma history. Inductees receive the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame medal, and their biography is published in “The Chronicles of Oklahoma.”
• Bruce T. Fisher Award: This award recognizes the significant contribution of an individual or organization for history-related projects, including (but not limited to) digital productions, exhibits, short-form publications, collections care, film and programs. The work must have been completed in the previous year (October 1 to September 30) with a budget of $20,000 or below. The winner will receive a commemorative plaque.
• Linda Williams Reese Award: This award recognizes an outstanding dissertation or thesis on Oklahoma history completed in the previous year. The awardee receives $500 and a plaque of recognition.
• Joseph B. Thoburn Award: This award recognizes a junior or senior high school student who exhibits outstanding achievements in the presentation or interpretation of state and local history. The awardee receives $500 and a plaque of recognition.
• William D. Pennington Award: This award acknowledges an outstanding social studies teacher who makes a lasting impact on students and demonstrates effective teaching by any measure of excellence. The awardee receives $500 and a plaque of recognition.
To nominate an individual or organization, visit okhistory. org/awards and download the nomination form specific to the award. Instructions for submission are included on each form. Current members of the OHS Board of Directors and current employees of the OHS and its museums, sites and affiliates are not eligible. You do not have to be an OHS member to nominate or receive an award. Completed nomination forms are due by November 15. Nominations are evaluated on merit, not endorsement. Tickets for the OHS Awards Banquet will be available for purchase in February 2026. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory. org.
